Town centre’s bold new look
VISIONARY PROJECTS: A glimpse of how The Seam on County Way is expected to appear in the future.
The team of designers working on Barnsley Council's ambitious project to turn a central area of the town into a vibrant urban park aimed at attracting businesses ahead of the arrival of a luxury hotel has shared their initial vision for the revamped space.
The council has abandoned its long-standing plans for The Seam on County Way, which included a multi-storey car park with 386 spaces and a housing development designed to be energy-efficient.
The Chronicle has uncovered new proposals for the site that will be funded by the local council as well as the government’s Future High Streets Fund, following the successful acquisition of over £15 million.
The initial stage of the project is set to start this summer and will feature a 4,700 square meter city park, which will consist of three distinct natural gardens. Additionally, there will be enhancements made to the parking facilities to accommodate visitors to both the town center and The Seam’s Digital Campus.
The highlight of the original project will be the introduction of three sculptures called the Yorkshire Roses. The tallest sculpture will rise to 15 meters, while the two smaller sculptures will each reach 12 meters, dominating the revitalized space.
Depending on planning approval, the second phase will focus on enhancing the Upper Seam car park. This will feature a new Digital Media Centre, a luxury hotel, and a ‘National Centre for Digital Technologies’.
In March, a report will be presented to the members of the ruling cabinet for their approval regarding a mix of grant and council funding intended for the sculptures.
Council leader Sir Steve Houghton expressed, “We take great pride in Barnsley and are determined and forward-thinking. The Yorkshire Rose sculptures represent our community's strength and hope for a promising future.”
"They're more than a recognizable sight; they represent the joy of our rich history and our daring dreams. These structures symbolize Barnsley's resilience and togetherness, while also highlighting its potential as a hub for opportunity and innovation."
The upcoming stage of The Seam reinforces our dedication to positioning it at the center of our future economy.
"We will assist digital industries to boost growth prospects in the town center, attracting additional investments and high-paying job opportunities to Barnsley."
"By providing young individuals with access to quality education and career opportunities, we can cultivate the leaders and innovators of tomorrow, creating the foundation for a better future."
The project takes its cues from the famous gardens at Marina Bay in Singapore. In January, County Way will host a variety of pop-up events where council staff and builders from Wilmott Dixon will present the plans and address any questions from local residents.
Edward Naylor, the chair of the Barnsley Town Board, stated, "This next stage of The Seam signifies more than just progress – it sends a clear message."
The redevelopment will create green urban spaces that feature a well-designed public area.
The beautiful sculptures will enhance our town center, attracting more visitors and reinforcing Barnsley's reputation as a hub for digital creativity.
"By transforming the way people are welcomed, The Seam helps make Barnsley an appealing spot for residents, tourists, and investors."
Matt O'Neill, the executive director for growth and sustainability at the council, mentioned that it was crucial to reassess The Seam project after its initial plan was put on hold.
"If we don't make progress, the economy of the borough will remain stagnant. That's why we have reevaluated our plans for The Seam and are exploring fresh approaches to enhance our digital presence and sustainability."
"We aim to provide the best conditions for our residents and businesses, and we’re exploring global best practices to guide our decisions."
"Our goal is to become the top technology and digital innovators in the UK while strengthening our leadership role throughout South Yorkshire."
"To draw in private investors, it's essential to have a creative public space, and this approach has proven highly successful in Singapore."
In the first phase of our project, we will enhance the public spaces similar to those at the Glass Works and extend these improvements into the digital campus area. Additionally, we will upgrade parking facilities, including a substantial increase in charging options for electric vehicles.
